History

The name Lakagígar means Craters of Laki, and refers to the volcanic fissures found in the area. The Lakagígar system erupted erupted between 1783 and 1784, pouring out an estimated 14 square kilometers of basalt lava and poisonous hydrofluoric acid that killed over 50% of Iceland's livestock, leading to a widespread famine that ultimately took the lives of 25% of Iceland's human population. The Lakagígar eruption also caused crop failures and droughts in Europe and India.